Body attached flying device



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March 16, 1965 E. UHOR 3,173,629

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United StatesV Patent O 3,173,629 BODY ATTACHED FLYING DEVICE Emil Uhor, P.0. Box 371, Bowie, Md. Filed Sept. 13, 1963, Ser. No. 308,882 12 Claims. (Cl. 244-46) The present invention generally relates to a flying device generally in the form of a flying belt which receives the body of a person using the device and the operators body, in effect, becomes a part o-f the fuselage of the flying device. This application is a continuation-in-part of copending application Serial No. 261,611, filed February 28, 1963, for Body Attached Flying Device, now abandoned.

An object of the present invention is to provide a flying dlevice incorporating novel structural features therein which enable the major components thereof to be folded to a collapsed position for enabling the same to be stored in a relatively compact manner and also enabling the device to be Worn by a person while walking on the ground surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a flying device capable of supporting a person in different attitudes of flying, that is, the person may take-off, fly and land in a horizontal position or in a vertical position.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a flying device having a housing or casing mounted along the back of a person employing the device and including shoulder bars extending forwardly and connected to a breastplate for supportingly engaging the chest of a person employing the device. Further, foot pedals or stirrups are employed, supporting arms at the hip region and a headrest all are provided for enabling the flying device to be worn by the person using the same.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a flying device in accordance with the preceding object in which the control mechanisms therefor are orientated for manual manipulation adjacent the shoulder region of the wearer with certain controls being also operated by manipulation of the feet.

Still another object of thev present invention is to provide a flying device having pivotally mounted wing and tail assemblies whereby the orientation thereof in relation to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage may be varied.

Still another feature of this invention resides in the construction of a frame that is foldable adjacent the center thereof whereby the tail assembly may -be folded to a collapsed position for enabling the person Wearing the device to Walk along the ground surface.

Yet another object of this invention resides in its relative simplicity of construction, ease of operation, effectiveness in flight and generally inexpensive manufacturing cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE l is a top plan view of the flying device in normal flight attitude;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the construction of FIGURE l illustrating .the manner in which a person is associated with the flying device and illustrating in dotted lines the adjustment of the wing assemblies and tail assemblies;

FIGURE 3 is a front elevational View of the flying device;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of the flying device when in collapsed condition;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational vieW of the flying device illustrating the manner in which it is stored or ICC collapsed when the person wearing the device wishes to walk along the ground surface;

FIGURE `6 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along the longitudinal center of the device illustrating the structural details of the control mechanism;

FIGURE 7 is a longitudinal, plan sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 7-7 of FIGURE y6 illustrating further structural details of the control mechanism;

FIGURE 8 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 8-8 of FIGURE 6 illustrating further structural details of the control mechanism;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary plan sectional view illustrating the clutch control mechanism and the reversing mechanism to enable the tail assemblies to pivot in an opposite direction to the wing assemblies;

FIGURE l0 is a fragmental detailed sectional view of the hollow shaft enabling the control cable to move therethrough taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 10-10 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 1l is a fragmentary perspective View of the supporting wheel assembly for the tail section of the llying device;

FIGURE l 2 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the bushing and spring detent mechanism for retaining the clutch and reversing gear shifting mechanism in place;

FIGURE 13 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the details of construction of .the control stick;

FIGURE 14 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 14-14 of FIGURE 13 illustrating the structure for retaining the control rod within the control stick in a proper angular orientation;

FIGURE 15 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 15-15 of .FIGURE 13 illustrating the construction and orientation of the cam operated latch pin for anchoring the control cable;

FIGURE 16 -is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 16-16 of FIGURE 13 illustrating the cam operated latch pins for securing the control stick in adjusted position; and

FIGURE 17 is an exploded group perspective view of the cam operated clutch mechanism for enabling the wings to be properly orientated in relation to each other during the folding operation.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, the numeral lll generally designates the aircraft or flying device of the present invention which includes a fuselage 12 having a forward casing or housing 14 for portions of the control apparatus and a tail section 16 hingedly connected thereto. The housing 14 has a pair of wing assemblies 18 mounted thereon and the tail section 16 has a pair of tail assemblies 20 mounted thereon.

The housing 14 includes a bottom curved wall 22 conforming generally to the contours of the rear surface of the shoulders and back of the pilot or operator 24 and may be provided with padding or cushioning material 26 for the comfort of the individual using the device. Projecting forwardly from the housing 14 is a pair of shoulder bars 28 that may be connected to the bottom wall 22 as a continuation thereof. The shoulder bars 28 are of rigid construction and extend around the top of the shoulder and downwardly into a region forwardly of the chest of the pilot 24. A curved and padded chest plate 30 is provided interconnecting the forward ends of the shoulder bars 28 for engaging a relatively large area of the chest of the pilot 24 as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Also provided on the housing 14 is a forwardly projecting and downwardly curved head strap 32 terminating in a padded rest plate 34 for engaging the forehead of the pilot 24. This provides adequate supporting engagement for the pilot 24 but still enables the pilot 24 to easily extract himself from the harness by moving his shoulders and head longitudinally rearwardly in relation to the casing or housing 14.

At the rear of the housing 14, there is provided a pair of brackets 36 which extend partially around the hips of the pilot 24 and terminate in a hinge axle 38 alongside of the hips of the pilot 24. The hinge axle 38 pivotally supports the tail section 16 which is in the form of a pair of elongated frame members 40 having a depending forward end portion 42 pivoted to the axle 38. The members 36 and 42 are disposed alongside of each other when the tail section 16 is in extended position as illustrated in FIGURE 2 and a suitable latch mechanism is provided for retaining the tail section 16 in the extended position in alignment with the housing 14.

A pair of hip-retaining plates 44 are provided which are curved upwardly from the hinge axle 38 and which are atttached to the member 42 by a spring-loaded pivoted arrangement 46 which enables the plates 44 to swing to and out-of-the-way position when they are pushed downwardly towards the feet and swung outwardly. A latch pin 48 engages a recess in the springloaded arrangement for retaining the hip-engaging plates 44 in position thus supporting this area of the pilot when in horizontal ight.

When the tail section 16 is pivoted to an elevated position alongside of the chest of the pilot such as when the pilot is walking or when he is ready to detach the flying device, the latch pin 48 has to be released by pushing downwardly on the plates 44 and swinging them outwardly. Further, the latch mechanism which holds the tail section 16 in extended position is released and the tail section 16 pivoted forwardly and upwardly in order to engage the frame members 40 with a spring catch mechanism provided therefor on the breastplate 30. The spring catch mechanism is designated by numeral 50 while the latch mechanism for the tail section 16 is designated by numeral 52. Any suitable type of latch or catch mechanisms may be employed as long as they are dependable and easy to operate.

As illustrated in FIGURE 8, the housing 14 includes side walls 54 and 56 and a top wall 58. A lower partition wall 60 is provided above the bottom wall 22 and an intermediate partition wall 62 is provided between the partition wall 60 and the top wall 58. Journaled in the walls 60, 62 and 58 is a pair of vertical shafts 64 joumaled by suitable bearing means 66. The top portion of the shafts 64 which extend above the top wall 58 each rotatably receives a shaft 68 which is rigidly aixed to a wing 70. The shaft 68 is journaled through the top end of the shaft 64 and cannot move longitudinally in respect thereto but it can rotate about its own longitudinal axis thereby enabling the angular position of the wings to vary about their longitudinal axes. The

Y rotational movement of the shaft 64 enables the angular position of the wings to vary about their point of connection with the housing 14. The Wings 70 are of substantially conventional aircraft configuration and provided with an engine assembly 72 along the leading edge thereof. The details of the wing and the engine construction are variable and may be of any conventional construction. The trailing edge of each wing 70 is inclined as -at 74 and provided with a pivotal aileron 76 adjacent the outer end thereof. Each aileron 76 is provided with offset arms 78 having control cable 80 attached thereto and extending over suitable guide pulleys 82 and then into the end of the shaft 68 which is of hollow construction whereby the inner ends of the cables 80 extend inwardly through an opening 84 in the housing 14 to a control mechanism for the ailerons.

The control mechanism for the ailerons includes a |.forwardly extending hollow doutlQl Stick 86 having a curved laterally and downwardly extending control handle 88 at one end thereof disposed forwardly of and alongside of the head as illustrated in FIGURE 2. The stick 86 extends through an opening 90 in the forward end of the housing and includes a sliding sleeve 92 and a stationary sleeve 94 thereon. The sleeve 94 has a plurality of arms 96 rigidly attached thereto guidingly receiving the cables 80. The aileron control cables are attached to the sliding sleeve 92 and a spring 9S extends between sleeves 92 and 94 for enabling elongation of the cables Si) when the Wings are folded. The sliding sleeve 92 is provided with inwardly extending lugs 97 received in longitudinal slots 99 in the stick 86 and the sleeve 92 is selectively locked in position by manipulating a control rod 160 rotatably mounted in stick 86. The operating rod 109 terminates in a handle 101 which may be manipulated for releasing cam operated locking pins 102 thus enabling the cables 80 to move when the wing assemblies are pivoted to an inoperative position into partial overlying relation to the housing 14 thereby enabling the effective length of the cables to be elongated for enabling the wings to fold about their hinged connection without breaking the cables or stretching the cables.

The locking pins are radially movably mounted in a plug member 103 and are spring biased inwardly against a cam 104 in the form of a attened portion of the rod 190. A similar flattened portion on the rod 10i) is disposed in longitudinally spaced relation to the attened portion 104 for operating locking pins 10S disposed beyond the support 196 for preventing forward movement of the control stick 86 when wings 70 are folded. At the forward end of the stick 86, there is provided a plurality of spring detents 106 carried by a suitable bracket and engageable with a plurality of recesses 107 carried in a disk mounted on the rod for orientating the rod in angularly adjusted position thereby enabling either the pins 192 or 105 to be extended for locking engagement. When the sleeve 92 is in its rearmost position, the lugs 97 engage ,fthe ends of the slots 99 thus positioning the pins 102 for engagement in sockets in the sleeve 92 for locking the sleeve 92 in position thereby preventing any movement of the wings except that enabled by longitudinal and rotational movement of the control stick 86.

Also, as illustrated in FIGURE 10, each of the follow members 68 is provided with a ball bearing assembly 108 having grommets 109 receiving the control cables 80 to enable the same to move linearly. This enables the tubular members which support both the wings and the tail member to rotate Without twisting the control cables 80 by virtue of a ball bearing assembly 108 enabling the cables 80 to remain stationary insofar as rotation is concerned but move longitudinally through the tubes 68.

A mechanism is provided for swinging the wings to a collapsed position into partially overlying relation to the housing 14 and this mechanism includes a bevel gear 110 on the inner ends of each shaft 68. Also, there is a bevel gear 111 on the lower end of each vertical shaft 64 which are interconnected by a transverse shaft 112 having a small bevel gear 114 on each end thereof. A drive bevel gear 115 engages one of the bevel gears 111 and is connected to a shaft 311 having an operating handle 116 disposed exteriorly of the housing for controlling rotation of the gears 111 and the shaft 64. The shaft 311 is journaled in the housing wall and the handle 116 is provided with a suitable locking mechanism in the form of a spring-loaded latch engaging an arcuate quadrant in a manner well-known with `the quadrant having teeth on the periphery thereof for locking the operating handle 116 in either of its extreme positions for retaining the wings in extended position generally perpendicular to the side walls of the housing or in partial overlying and rearwardly extending relationship as illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5.

A control mechanism is provided for pivoting the wings about their longitudinal axis and this control mechanism includes the bevel gear 110 on the inner end of each shaft 68 which extends through a suitable opening in the top wall of the housing and is in meshing engagement with the upwardaly facing surface of a double bevel gear 117 which is freely rotatable on the shaft 64. The downwardly facing gear of the double bevel gear 117 is in meshing engagement with bevel gears 118 and 128 that are interconnected by a split shaft 119. Also, a drive bevel gear 126 is engaged with the downwardly facing gear of one of the double bevel gears 117 and an operating handle 121 is connected thereto for driving the double bevel gears 117. 'I'he gear 120 is slidably mounted on a stub shaft 312 journaled in the wall of the housing in a suitable manner. Also, gear 128 is slidably mounted on shaft 119 to enable disengagement from gear 117.

A cam mechanism is provided for disengaging the gears 120 and 128 from the gears 117 with which they mesh when the operating handle 116 is operated and this mechanism is illustrated panticularly in FIGURE 17 and includes an annular cam follower 122 having a U-shaped yoke 123 swivelly mounted on the end of a laterally extending arm 313 having a slot 124 therein for slidably mounting the cam follower 122 on partition 62 by bolt 314 to provide reciprocation of the yoke 123 as the follower orbits. A combined radial and axial sleeve cam 125 engages the cam follower 122 and includes both a radial cam surface 315 and an axial cam Surface 126 for engaging a ball-type or roller-type follower 127 carried by a bracket or cage 316 on partition 62 for selectively engaging and releasing a jaw-type clutch 317 carried by the upper end of the cam sleeve 125. The carn 125 is slidable on shaft 64 and is held non-rotative on shaft 64 by a longitudinal key 318. Thus, as the cam 125 is rotated since it is non-rotatively secured -to the shaft 64, such rotation being caused by the handle 116, the Cam. 125 will also be elevated for engaging the jaw clutch components 317 after the gears 120 and 128 are disengaged from the gears 117 thus enabling both of the shafts 64 to turn independently of the gears 120 and 128 and the operating handle 121 therefore. A coil spring 319 is interposed between sleeve cam 125 and double gear 117 to disengage the jaw clutch 317 when the roller 127 is on the low part of the cam surface 126.

Each of the yokes 123 is engaged in a groove 320 formed in each of the gears 120 and 128 for sliding these gears inwardly on their mounting shafts 312 and 119 while still being rotatably connected thereto with a suitable spring 321 being provided for urging the gears 120 and 128 toward the gears 117.

The previously described mechanism begins with the control handle 116 connected to the shaft 311 which enters through the wall 56 and has the gear 115 attached thereto. As the lever 116 is pivoted, both shafts 64 will be rotated due to the connecting shaft 112 and the gears 114 mounted thereon. For purposes of description, as viewed in FIGURE 8, .the right hand shaft 64 and the left hand shaft 64 will be described as such in the operation of the device. Initially, it is pointed out that each of the cam sleeves 125 can rise approximately 3/s of an inch due to the ball bearing 127 which will actuate the clutch mechanism 317 for locking engagement with the double gevel gears 117.

As illustrated in FIGURE 8, the cam surface 126 on the left hand cam sleeve 125 is timed slightly later than the cam surface on the right hand sleeve 125 and the cam sleeve 125 on the left hand shaft 64 does not lise quite as soon as the cam sleeve on the right hand shaft. Thus as the right hand cam 126 on right hand shaft 64 turns, it causes cam 126 to rise and lock gear 117 and 111) and moves out gear 120 by right hand cam 125, immediately, thereby holding right wing 78 in plane. While this move was made left hand cam 126 is timed or delayed later, before it rises to let left hand gear 110 attached to the left hand shaft 68 to walk around gear 117 that is locked to gear 128, which permits it to move out of a plane a few degrees, then at this point, as the left hand cam 126 is elevating the left hand cam sleeve 125 and just before the cam sleeve rises to engage the left hand double bevel gear 117, the cam 125 is moving the gear 128 outwardly and also the gear 120 was moved outwardly during the movement of the right hand cam sleeve 125. Of course, the gear 118 on the shaft 119 is in a neutral position by virtue of the shifting lever 146 being so positioned.

Thus, it will be readily apparent that due to this delayed timing, the structure has caused one wing to turn or move out of a plane, that is, the trailing edge of one wing has risen in order to overlap or fold over the other when lever 116 brings both wings together. This movement is performed in preparation of flight and also after tiight since it is solely for the purpose of folding the wings and, of course unfolding the wings.

A reversing mechanism is provided including an elongated rack gear 129 supported on a suitable guide 130. Rack gear 129 is in constant meshing engagement with a pinion gear 131 on an elongated shaft 132 that is journalled in suitable bearings 133 and has arms 134 thereon connected to cables 135 which extend rearwardly alongside control cables 212 to be described hereinafter and which extend over guide pulleys 136 at the hinge connection between the tail section and the fuselage section thereby enabling the cables to be retained in position during longitudinal movement thereof and also retained in position during the folded condition of the aircraft with the various pulleys having guide means thereon for retaining the cables in proper position. Further, the guide pulleys are equipped with the necessary sheaves independent of each thereby enabling the various cables to move in relation to each other as required during control of the aircraft when flying. An idle shaft 137 journalled in one-half bearings 138 carries a pair of spaced gears 139 and 140 with the gear 139 being in constant meshing engagement with the rack gear 129. Slidably disposed and rotatable with the shaft 119 is a gear 141 having an annular shifting groove 142 carried thereby for engagement by a shifting fork or yoke 143 mounted rigidly with an elongated operating rod 144 which has an annular groove forming member 145 on the outer end thereof engaging a handle 146 having a shifting fork on one end thereof for moving the rod 144 longitudinally. The rod 144 is provided with a plurality of sets of longitudinally spaced grooves 147 engageable with spring loaded detents 148 carried by guide and supporting brackets 149 at longitudinally spaced points thereby locking the operating rod 144 in one of three adjusted positions. In one position of the rod 144, the gear 141 is in meshing engagement with the gear 140 thus driving the rack 129 through the gear 139. In another position of the gear 141, it is in meshing engagement with the rack gear 129 directly for moving the gear in a different direction in response to rotation of the shaft 119. In the third position of the gear 141, it engages the gear 139 and due to its engagement with the rack gear 129 will also lock the rack 129 and lock the tail assemblies in position.

The clutch operating handle 146 also engages a shifting sleeve 150 carried by shaft 119 engageable with the gear 118 in engagement with the lower surface of the double beveled gear 117. A sliding drive connection 151 is provided for the gear 118 thus enabling the gear 118 to be disengaged from the shaft 119 to enable one wing to move inwardly beyond the other wing to the position illustrated in FIGURE 4. Thus, in collapsing the wings, the clutch handle 146 is moved to slide connector 151 to enable the gear 118 to rotate in relation to shaft 119 which lets right hand gear 117 be disengaged from the transmission,

When shifting sleeve 150 is moved to its extreme position with gear 141 engaged with both the rack gear and the gear 139 which locks up the transmission, the shaft 119 becomes separated from the gear 118 whereby enabling the double bevel gear 117 which has been engaged or locked up by the cam gear 125 thus leaving the transmission locked during folding and unfolding of the wings.

The cables 135 extend to and are attached to arms 322 rigid with axles 190 which carry tail assemblies 192 which have a bearing plate similar to 108 which has four holes therein.

The joy stick or operating rod S6 is provided with a ball-and-socket connection 194 at the rear of a forward end portion thereof thereby enabling the forward section of the joy stick 86 to rotate and slide longitudinally in bearing sleeves 90 and 196 for enabling control of the ailerons 76 on wings 70 enabling both ailerons '76 of both wings 70 to move up or down together in a climb or dive or one of the ailerons may go up while the other will go down when making a turn or when banking. Rearwardly of the universal connection 194, there is an elongated rack gear 198 supported for longitudinal movement by virtue of U-shaped supporting bolts 208 being secured to the partition wall 62 and extending through slots 202 in the rack 198 thereby guiding and limiting the longitudinal movement of the rack 198. The rack 198 is in meshing engagement with a gear 204 carried by a shaft 206 journaled in suitable bearings 208 carried by the partition wall 62. The shaft 206 has transverse arms 210 at each end thereof connected to cables 212 which extend rearwardly of the tail section 20.

The cables 212 extend in through the hollow stub shaft or axle 190 and are entrained over guide pulleys 214 and connected to offset arms 216 on elevator members 218 carried by the trailing edge of the tail members 192. Thus, the elevators may be pivoted upwardly or downwardly by longitudinal inward and outward movement of the joy stick 86 which may be employed for simultaneously controlling the position of the ailerons on the trailing edge of the wings.

Each tail 192 is provided with a rudder 22@ rigid therewith and extending perpendicular therefrom and disposed in depending relation when in normal horizontal flight as illustrated in FIGURE 2. The rudder 229 is rigid with the tail member 192 and is provided with a pivotal rudder 222 having laterally extending arms 224 connected to control cables 226 which extend through the hollow axle or stub shaft 190 and which are connected to the ends of a transverse arm 228 carried by a shaft 230 that is journaled on bearing members 232 and 234 which form a portion of the frame of the tail se:- tion 20. A foot pedal assembly 236 is affixed to shaft 230 and is provided with a stirrup 238 in which the toe portion of the operators foot may be positioned so that the foot pedal 236 which is somewhat Z-shaped generally conforms with the shape of the foot thereby enabling the shaft 230 to be pivoted in either rotational direction by pivoting the foot engaged with the foot pedal 236 about the ankle joint. A rearwardly extending frame member 240 supports a relatively small ground-engaging wheel 242 at the trailing end thereof and a forwardly extending frame member 244 supports a relatively large groundengaging wheel 246 at the forward end thereof. An arcuate guard and reinforcing member 248 is provided between the longitudinal frame member 40 and the forwardly extending frame member 244 thereby rigidifying the structure and also partially enclosing the operating arm 228. The bearing member 232 is connected integrally with the support member 244 while the bearing member 234 is integral with the rearwardly extending member 240 which is connected to the longitudinal member by a laterally extending frame member 250 as illustrated in FIGURE 11. The rear ends of the longitudinal frame rails 40 are interconnected by a transverse reinforcing member 252 to maintain the rigidity of the tail section components.

Inasrnuch as the tail member 192 may pivot about a transverse axis, the orientation of the tail and rudder may vary in relation to the longitudinal frame members 40.

In one position, the tail members 192 are generally in alignment with the longitudinal frame members 40 with the rudder depending therefrom as illustrated in FIGURE 2 In the dotted line condition illustrated in FIGURE 2, the tail members 192 are substantially in perpendicular relation to the frame members 49 with the rudder extending rearwardly therefrom in overlying relation to the frame members 40.

A forward landing gear generally designated by numeral 254 is provided which includes a pair of downwardly diverging support members 256 each having a ground-engaging wheel 25S journaled on the lower end thereof and the upper ends are connected by a transverse rod 260 journaled in a bearing sleeve 262 carried by the chest plate 3i). The upper ends of the converging members 256 are provided with an offset portion 264 which enables the members 256 to extend rearwardly over the shoulders when in collapsed position with the wheels disposed in the position illustrated in FIGURE 5. A catch of the spring clip type 266 is provided on each shoulder bar for retaining the landing gear in collapsed position. When the landing gear is in operative position, the offset portion 264 engages the chest plate 30 and a spring clip 268 is provided for retaining the landing gear in the operative position.

The operation of the device will be apparent from a consideration of the foregoing structure. Specifically, the front landing gear is manually moved from the operative to the stored position as is the tail section with suitable latch mechanisms, clips and the like being employed for securing the members in both of their positions. This is also true of the hip engaging members which are swingable from a position engaging the worward surfaces of the hips to a position projecting forwardly therefrom. The manner of controlling the wings about their longitudinal axis as well as a tranverse axis at the inner end thereof has been described whereby the wings may pivot about a longitudinal axis and also be swung to a retracted position. The manner in which the wings are folded rearwardly in relation to each other has been described. The control for the ailerons on the wings has been described as has the controls for the tail members, the elevators thereon and the pivotal rudder fin. The manner of reversing the angular direction of movement of the tail members in relation to the wing members has been set forth since this is necessary when landing so that the tail section of the flying device may be brought downwardly so that the llying device will assume generally a vertical orientation when landing in certain conditions.

The flying device of the present invention may be handled more conveniently by placing it on a wall or hanger structure when not in use or after a flight. Any suitable support arrangements may be provided on the housing or fuselage for this purpose. The device may be easily removed by the operator by placing his left hand on the chest plate and his right hand on the frame adjacent the waist-engaging elements and after the waistengaging elements have been opened, the device may be easily removed.

In preparation for flight, assuming the operator has the device placed on a hanger, he merely walks over to his apparatus, turns around and backs toward it, bends his knees slightly and rises up into the ilying device so that the shoulder rods, bands or straps engage his shoulders. The retaining members 44 are swung in and locked in place by the spring mechanism. He then raises himself up along with the flying device and walks forward and away from the wall. Thus, the assembly of the device takes only a few seconds.

In preparation for flight, the operator pulls the tail section downwardly away from his chest so that the frame rails 4t) are in alignment as illustrated in FIGURE 2. The snap catch 52 serves to lock the tail section in place. The landing gear 256 is then swung to an outwardly extending position and locked in place by the latch 268. He then places his feet in the stirrups and this may actually be accomplished by leaning forwardly slightly and moving forward slightly as he lowers himself to the ground and rolls forward on his landing gear thus enabling the tail or fuselage assembly to snap into locked position. After this he is in a position to open his wings. My grasping the lever 116 and pushing it forward for its full stroke, both wings will move to an open position ready for Hight. The lever 116 will be locked in this position and will not be moved during flight. By using the handle 121 and the mechanism operated by the handle 146, the orientation of the wings and the tail sections may be orientated in relation to each other. The operator or pilot is then ready to start his motors which have suitable gasoline supply, oil supply and control mechanism associated therewith so that the speed of the engines may be adjusted.

The above described procedure is for horizontal flight but the device can be flown vertically or can take off in a vertical direction and then level olf into horizontal ilight. The toe pedal provided controls the ends of the rudder which help to control the apparatus in flight. The head band may be adjustable so that it may be more comfortable and convenient for the operator to rest his head upon when in horizontal ight as in FIGURE 2.

When taking olf from a runway in a horizontal attitude and for horizontal flying, normal procedures for taking off in a conventional airplane are followed. Takeoff in a vertical position is accomplished with both the wings and the tail members in horizontal orientation and after a certain ground speed has been attained, the wings and tail members .are pivoted towards a position in alignment with the fuselage and, of course, the engines are rotating at the maximum speed. As the device lifts off the ground, the forward end thereof will be disposed forwardly of the rear section and a horizontal flight attitude is attained. Where there is standing room only or no runway, the device may take-off like a helicopter and after it becomes airborne it may gradually be moved around to a horizontal flight attitude. When landing in horizontal ight on a runway, conventional landing procedures are employed. However, when landing in a vertical direction from horizontal flight, the reverse gear mechanism comes into play in that the wings are pivoted towards a vertical position to a greater angle than the tail members thus enabling the tail section to swing downwardly to a position where it will engage the runway and move therealong.

The aircraft can also spot land when no runway is available, such as in rough terrain, wooded areas, on city streets and even on flat roof tops, such as that of a helicopter.

In summary of the controls employed in operating the present invention, the lever or handle 116 opens the wings 70 and locks them in position for flight and also folds them together and puts them in overlapping position. The lever 121 changes the wing and tail mechanisms of the apparatus in Hight from horizontal to vertical flight or vice versa, that is, by pivoting the wings about the axis of the shaft 68 and pivoting the tail about the axis of the axles 190. Lever 146 operates a gear train mechanism as well as a clutch shift. In one position which may be considered a normal condition or a forward position, pivotal movement of the tail assemblies about a horizontal axis will be in the same direction as pivotal movement of the wing assembly. In an intermediate position or reverse position, the pivotal movement of the tail `assemblies will be in an opposite direction about a transverse or horizontal axis as pivotal movement of the wings. In a third or extreme position, the clutch mechanism 150 and 151 is disengaged and the transmission is locked due to the gear 141 meshing with gear 139 which is in constant meshing engagement with the rack gear 129 with the gear 141 also being in constant meshing engagement therewith when locking up the transmission. The landing gear 256 on the chest plate 30 is raised and lowered manually. The joy stick 86 controls ailerons of both the wings and the elevators of the tail so that the elevators may operate simultaneously with the ailerons when the joy stick including the rack gear 198 is reciprocated. By rotating the joy stick 86, the ailerons may be pivoted in relation to each other and in relation to the elevators for maneuvering the aircraft. The foot plate 236 operates the rudder ns 222. The hip band guards or plates 44 holds the operators mid-section up in horizontal flight and they swing in and out from the operator when handled properly. The mechanism 101 locks and unlocks the two mechanisms within the joy stick 86 so that when 92 is locked, 196 is unlocked thereby enabling control of the ailerons and locking thereof when desired.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly al1 suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A body-attached dying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section rand rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail memlbers pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder fin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the ying device.

2. A body-attached ying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivtal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder fin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the iiying device, said means for receiving the upper portion of an operator including a pair of rigid shoulder bands extending from the top end of the housing section and adapted to extend over the shoulders of the operator, said shoulder bands terminating in a chest plate for engaging the chest, a head band extending over the head and terminating in a forehead engaging pad, and pivotal hip-engaging members for engaging the front surface areas of the hip region of the wearer for securing the ying device .to the operator, said tail section including foot pedals and stirrups constituting the means for controlling the rudder iin and supporting the legs of the operator.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said chest plate is provided with a spring clip assembly forming means for retaining the tail section of the fuselage in folded position.

4. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said chest plate is provided with a transverse trunnion pivotally receiving a generally U-shaped support for ground-engaging wheels whereby the ground-engaging wheels may be pivoted from an operative position extending downwardly from the chest plate when the ying device generally is in horizontal position to an inoperative position extending over the shoulders, and releasable means securing the U- shaped support for the landing wheels in both the operative and inoperative position.

5. A body-attached flying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the ying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into ovelapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder fin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder iin for controlling movement of the ying device, said tail section being provided with a landing gear assembly including a pair of laterally spaced forward wheels and a pair of laterally spaced rear wheels for supporting the fuselage in vertical position during landing in a vertical position and during take-off in a vertical position, the pair of wheels disposed forwardly on the tail section being larger for engaging the ground surface when the fuselage is disposed generally in a horizontal position during horizontal take-off and horizontal landing.

6. A body-attached iiying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet `of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder iin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an 4aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the flying device, the means for operating the wing assemblies to swing them to a folded inoperative position including a time lag mechanism for one of the wings whereby the wings may be disposed with the edges thereof in different planes for movement into overlying relation to each other.

7. A body-attached ying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting .the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder iin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the ying device, the means for moving the `ailerons on the wings including control cables, and a longitudinally movable and rotatable control stick extending forwardly from said housing and including arms thereon connected to the control cables for moving the ailerons in response to movement of the control stick.

8. A body-attached flying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to `a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the iiying device, means on `the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other j nd to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder fin pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the `iiying device, said housing section including a forwardly extending headpiece curving around the head and terminating in a forehead-engaging pad.

9. A body-attached flying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder 1in pivotally mounted on each rudder, an elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on lthe trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder -in for controlling movement of the ying device, said means for controlling the elevators including control cables, gear means having oiset arms connected to the control cables, and a longitudinally reciprocal control stick engaging the gear means for rotating the gear means for controlling the elevators.

10. A body-attached ying device comprising a fuselage including a forward housing -section and a rear tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the forward housing section and rear tail section whereby the tail section may be folded to a position underlying the housing section, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator for supporting the legs, said housing section including a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom, each wing having propelling means mounted thereon, means pivotally connecting the wings to the housing section `for angular adjustment about the longitudinal axis of the wings, means interconnecting the wings and the housing section for swinging the wings laterally inwardly into overlapping relation to each other and to a portion of the housing section, said tail section including .tail members pivotal about a longitudinal axis paralleling the longitudinal axis of the wings, a rudder perpendicular to each tail member and rigid therewith, a rudder lin pivotally mounted on each rudder, yan elevator pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each tail member, an aileron mounted on the trailing edge of each wing, and control means for controlling the movement of the Wings, ailerons, tail members, elevators and rudder fin for controlling movement of the ying device, and a reversing mechanism for pivoting the tail members in reverse angular relation compared to the wings including control cables extending to the tail members and operable from a gear drive mechanism, and

a shifting gear manually operable from the exterior of the housing for reversing the direction of movement of the tail members, said gear drive mechanism being operatively connected to the wings whereby movement of the wings in one direction will provide movement of the tail members in the other direction when the shifting gear is moved to its reversing position.

11. A body-attached flying device comprising a fuselage including a forward section and a tail section, means hingedly interconnecting the housing section and tail section to enable the tail section to be folded into side-byside relation to the hou-sing section, means releasably locking the tail section and housing section together in substantially longitudinal alignment, means releasably locking the tail section alongside of the housing section when in folded position, means on the housing section for removably receiving the upper portion of a person operating the flying device, means on the tail section for removably receiving the feet of an operator of the ying device for supporting the feet and legs of such an operator, said last named means being disposed adjacent the rear of the tail section, said means on the housing section being disposed adjacent the forward end of the housing section whereby the fuselage has a length generally approximating the height of a person operating the flying device, said housing section having a pair of wings mounted thereon for pivotal movement about the longitudinal axis of the wing and arcuate swinging movement about an axis perpendicular thereto whereby the wings may be swung laterally inwardly into position overlying the housing section, propelling means mounted on each of said wings for propelling the flying device, said tail section including control elements movable in relation to the tail section for controlling ight of the flying device, each of said wings including a control element for assisting and controlling the flight of the ilying device, and means operatively connected to each of the control elements for enabling the person operating the flying device to control ight of the ying device.

12. The structure as dened in claim 11 wherein the control element on the tail section includes a pair of tail members swingable about a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wings, said control means for the tail members and the control means for the wings being disposed for access by a person operating the dying device at a pointat the forward end of the housing section.

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,099,762 6/ 14 Pagny 244-49 1,855,574 4/32l Hubert 244-48 2,511,025 6/50 Tucker et al 244-48 X FERGUS S. MIDDLETON, Primary Examiner. 

1. A BODY-ATTACHED FLYING DEVICE COMPRISING A FUSELAGE INCLUDING A FORWARD HOUSING SECTION AND A REAR TAIL SECTION, MEANS HINGEDLY INTERCONNECTING THE FORWARD HOUSING SECTION AND REAR TAIL SECTION WHEREBY THE TAIL SECTION MAY BE FOLDED TO A POSITION UNDERLYING THE HOUSING SECTION, MEANS ON THE HOUSING SECTION FOR REMOVABLY RECEIVING THE UPPER PORTION OF A PERSON OPERATING THE FLYING DEVICE, MEANS ON THE TAIL SECTION FOR REMOVABLY RECEIVING THE FEET OF AN OPERATOR FOR SUPPORTING THE LEGS, SAID HOUSING SECTION INCLUDING A PAIR OF WINGS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY THEREFROM, EACH WING HAVING PROPELLING MEANS MOUNTED THEREON, MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTING THE WINGS TO THE HOUSING SECTION FOR ANGULAR ADJUSTMENT ABOUT THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE WINGS, MEANS INTERCONNECTING THE WINGS AND THE HOUSING SECTION FOR SWINGING THE WINGS LATERALLY INWARDLY INTO OVERLAPPING RELATION TO EACH OTHER AND TO A PORTION OF THE HOUSING SECTION, SAID TAIL SECTION INCLUDING TAIL MEMBERS PIVOTAL ABOUT A LONGITUDINAL AXIS PARALLELING THE LONGI- 